The Secret World Of Sharks And Rays

This spring, explore Vancouver Aquarium’s galleries to uncover the amazing lifestyles of the not-so-famous sharks and their cousins – the skates, rays and ratfishes.

While the word “shark” likely brings to mind a very clear image – large, toothy, eating machines – there is no such thing as a “typical” shark. The 370 different living shark species and their cousins come in many shapes and sizes as a result of the incredible adaptations they have undergone in order to survive and thrive in a variety of aquatic environments.

Did you know some rays live only in freshwater, swimming among the flooded forests of the Amazon, or that many shark species are bottom-feeding, electro-sensing, crab crunching predators? Come in and discover which sharks are capable of virgin birth and see the variety of teeth shapes different sharks have to catch certain types of prey. Uncover these overlooked secrets and many more as you explore the Aquarium’s new exhibits, displays and shows for The Secret World of Sharks and Rays.

Learn about the sharks that call the waters of British Columbia home, from the very common Pacific spiny dogfish to the endangered basking shark and the rarely seen thresher shark, in our Pacific Canada Pavilion.

Explore the Tropic Zone and Amazon Gallery to spot a secretive shark called the tasseled wobbegong, a stealthy blue-spotted fantail ray with periscope eyes, and the freshwater stingray that sucks, literally – it sucks up snails to capture and eat them in its native home, Brazil’s Xingu River.

Plus, learn about the threats facing sharks and their cousins, from fishing bycatch to pollution, and what you can do to help protect them.

Don’t miss your chance to explore the mysterious world of these fascinating fishes – visit the Vancouver Aquarium today to experience The Secret World of Sharks and Rays.

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New Shows & Activities

Sharks! Cold Blood In Cold Waters

Explore the fascinating lives of sharks and their cousins that are found right in our own backyards in this exciting interpretive program at our beautiful Strait of Georgia exhibit. If you’ve ventured into the waters off our coast, you can legitimately say you’ve been swimming with sharks. According to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), there are at least 16 species of sharks which frequent our coastal waters, including some pretty big names, and jaws.Learn more about this show

Six gill shark Photo: Takuji Oyama

Xingu River ray

Sharks, Rays And You

Sharks get a lot of attention in the cartilaginous world, but don’t forget the rays! Though one propels itself with a powerful tail and the other with powerful pectoral fins, they are related, almost like cousins. They share impressive teeth, tough skin and the lack of a swim bladder to stay afloat (something most bony fishes have). Join us in the Tropic Zone to learn more about some of the similarities these animals share with the help of an Aquarium diver.Learn more about this show

The Secret Lives Of Sharks

Sharks have been seen for quite some time as somewhat terrifying animals; perhaps because of the very human tendency to fear the unknown. Are they really so scary once we get to know some of their secrets? Join us in the Tropic Zone to explore the lives of sharks and hopefully begin to see them in a whole new light.Learn more about this show

Tasseled wobbegong Photo:Andy Murch

Sharks And Rays Craft Corner

Looking for something to do while sitting down? Why not take the creative plunge and create your own seascape! Come to our craft station and decorate a diverse coral reef, a stunning open water ecosystem or even a home aquarium. Whatever you choose to do, be sure to top it off with a tie-dye style stingray!Learn more about this activity